The Greatvine is a CQUniversity podcast series where we chat with some of the University's interesting characters.

Greatvine - a CQUniversity Podcast

Greatvine Series 5 - A CQUniversity Podcast

An AI generated track inspired by CQUniversity staffer Trent Jones which encompasses the mission and emotions of the CQUniCares Appeal in 2025.

CQUni Appeal 2025

This week we begin our Podcast series with the first of a two-part chat with Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman. You’ll learn how this once-upon-a-time average student became a radiographer; met his wonderful bride on a trip to the Sahara Desert; worked his way into academia and later shipped his entire family to Australia. Flying into the country the kids were surprised that Australians lived in real houses. Ha!

You’ll find out what he really thought about CQUni when he arrived, the evolution of the university since his arrival and what the future could hold. And we also get an insight into some of his quirky obsessions and traits - good luck Anita!

CQUniversity's Greatvine

Scott Bowman : Season 1, Episode 1

This week we chat with CQUni's photographer and videographer Peter Lawrence. We hear how he was inspired by a high school teacher to take up a camera and learn the art of photography and later worked for a television station in Melbourne where shows like Perfect Match were produced. We learn about the ups and downs of the television industry and the perks of working for a regional television station. We also hear how he was offered a job at CQUni while playing a round of golf and how his role has changed over the past 20 years.

Host: Priscilla Crighton Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Peter Lawrence : Season 1, Episode 4

This week we chat with CQUni's simulation expert and Nursing Professor Kerry Reid-Searl. We hear how this creative and passionate educator began her career on the remote islands of the Torres Strait where she met her husband before settling down in Rockhampton. We learn how her love of drama inspired her teaching philosophy and how her desire to engage and communicate with people on the ground level is pivotal in all she does. We also discover why MaskEd is much more than just playing dress-up - it's about patient care. We even chat with some of her alter egos and find out why Cyril always says Kerry's a bit loopy and her family find her unpredictable. You don't say!

Kerry Reid-Searl : Season 1, Episode 5

This week we chat with CQUni's Metal Fabrication teacher Gary Balderson. We hear that before he was a tradie, Gary dreamed of being a policeman or fireman - he even lit up the backyard as 'work experience'. We learn that later he was fascinated by a neighbour with a welder who could join two pieces of steel together, which led him into the field of metal fabrication. We hear about some interesting tales on the job, including watching the roof of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre being lifted by massive cranes and placed into position, and we are inspired by his passion for teaching the next generation of tradies.  Finally, we learn about his obsession for hot rods and about his own Heins-variety beast made over a seven-year period and financed by some deep pockets. And we're assured it was all approved by the 'board of control' - otherwise known as Gary's wife. LOL!

Gary Balderson: Season 1, Episode 9

This week we chat with CQUni's Professor Andrew Taylor-Robinson, an immunologist and expert in infectious diseases. We hear how academia is almost part of his DNA as he shares about his family of professors. Andrew tells us about one of his first jobs in a pathology lab investigating faecal samples at the tender age of 17, until his promotion to the urine bench (which was much better). We also learn about his research into mosquito-borne diseases and the work that goes into vaccine development. We hear about recent Zika virus scares and the 75 relatively unknown mosquito-borne diseases lurking in Australia. Finally, we hear how this unassuming professor once sang with rock band Queen on one of their lesser-known singles in the 1980s (although it did appear in an album which sold 6 million copies worldwide we've been told) and he even appeared in the music video clip.

Andrew Taylor-Robinson : Season 2, Episode 2

This week we chat with CQUni's Adam Rose, a PhD researcher into water quality. Adam shares about his childhood obsessions with fishing and crabbing which eventually laid the foundations for his career in water research. In fact, as a 13-year-old he recalls helping CQUni researchers in his home town of Gladstone catching specimens. However, we hear it took a while for him to come around, studying both engineering and accounting, before returning to his love of the water and pursuing environmental science. Adam also shares about his current Baffle Creek research project and his passion to debunk the bottled water phenomenon. He talks about the process of feeling comfortable as a researcher and being proud of his regional roots.

Adam Rose : Season 2, Episode 3

This week we chat with Kirt Hainzer, a CQUniversity agriculture researcher with a special interest in agricultural value chains of developing economies who is currently working in Papua New Guinea. We hear how this son of an Austrian chef developed an interest in food from living in the back of restaurants in Australia and later volunteering at OzHarvest to help reduce food waste. We learn that on his first solo travel experience at the age of 13 he went AWOL from school in Austria and spent two months enjoying a London summer. We also hear how he later created edible landscapes for celebrities in LA. We also discover how his love of travel (especially in the driver's seat of a VW van) has shaped his career direction.

CQUniversity Podcast - Greatvine

Host: Jocelyn Sticklen Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Kirt Hainzer : Season 2, Episode 7

This week we chat with Kari Arbouin, CQUni's Associate Vice-Chancellor for Townsville and North West Queensland Region. We hear how Kari grew up in Glasgow in Scotland where she lived in a 270-year-old castle manse and dreamed of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon. We learn how she eventually studied nursing and shocked her parents when she bought a one-way ticket to Australia with plans of spending a few months down under. We hear how a stint nursing in the outback town of Julia Creek led her to her husband and she explains how the rural town became the family home for a number of years. We learn about Kari's health roles that eventually prepared her for a career in universities, firstly at JCU and more recently at CQUni in Townsville. We also discover her unusual skills in bog snorkelling and even hear her attempt an Aussie accent - you can decide if she was successful.

Host: Isis Symes Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Kari Arbouin : Season 2, Episode 8

This week we chat with Professor Lynne Parkinson, a health services researcher who is currently working on a project to support carers of people with dementia. We hear how her flair for academia started early in a two-room school in Cracow in western Queensland where in first grade she was doing grade four mathematics. We learn that her academic excellence eventually led her into a science degree, followed shortly after by Honours and a PhD which she completed while raising a family. We hear how her early research projects included a national campaign against drug abuse and also cancer prevention, while much of her work since joining CQUni has centred around supporting the aged care industry in various research endeavours. We hear about her passion for the 'Caring for Carers' project and how dementia has not only touched her professional life, but also her personal life. Finally, we hear how speed reading has helped in her academic endeavours and also with her love of fiction books.

Lynne Parkinson : Season 2. Episode 9

With this week marking the final week of the 2018 CQUniCares Annual Appeal, here is a special edition of CQUniversity’s Greatvine where we learn more about CQUniCares and the positive impact it is having on our students' lives. Today's panel of guests include Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Francois Gallais; Engineering student and CQUniCares Downer Scholarship recipient Charmaine Dig-O; and Science student, Marie Sell, who is a recipient of a CQUniCares Appeal Scholarship. 
We discuss the history and purpose of CQUniCares, hear more about this year's annual Appeal and its targets, and find out first-hand from our students about the impact CQUniCares support has had on their lives.

CQUniversity's Podcast - Greatvine

Host: Greg Chapman Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Greatvine Special Edition: CQUniCares

In this episode of the Greatvine we chat with Jacobus Vorster an expert in millennial behaviours and work experiences.

We hear how Jacobus has had a diverse career which has helped construct some interesting insight into employment, especially for millennials. We learn about his childhood in South Africa where warthogs roamed freely through backyards and a young Jacobus was affectionately called a 'little lion'. We hear how after completing high school he joined the military, became a military instructor, and later pursued an apprenticeship in heavy earthmoving mechanics. Moving up the ranks with this career, Jacobus immigrated to Australia and completed an MBA and began a higher research degree at CQUni, while still enjoying a role in the mining industry. Two-and-a-half years later and the concluding chapter of this journey is lurking in the distance as he moulds the pathway for a PhD in organisational psychology.

Host: Penne Kaddatz Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Jacobus Vorster : Season 3, Episode 3

This week on the Greatvine podcast we chat with Associate Vice-Chancellor Jodie Duignan-George.

We hear about her challenges growing up, facing bullies and becoming a parent at a young age. We learn how a Bachelor of Arts began her progression to become a 'jack of all trades' which led to a Master in Social Sciences and eventually management roles in the university sector. Jodie tells us about the power of mentorship and her philosophy about 'riding life'. We hear how from an early age she learnt to let life happen and not to let fear get in the way. Jodie also shares with us her love of the Cairns campus and the city she's called home for the past 25 years.

CQUniversity's Greatvine Series 3

Jodie Duignan-George : Season 3, Episode 4

This week on the Greatvine we chat with remedial massage teacher Gary Kaddatz.

Gary shares about his career jump from meatworker to massage therapist and now teacher. We learn that the meat industry was much more of a grounding for his current career than many may think, plus he tells us about growing up in a family where alternative pain therapies, such as chiropractic and massage, were commonplace.

Gary Kaddatz : Season 3, Episode 5

This week on The Greatvine we chat with CQUni's Head of Acting Karen Crone.

We hear how Karen was destined for the theatre having grown up on stage, in everything from neighbourhood performances to eisteddfods and school musicals. We learn that Karen has performed alongside some of Australia's best, including her friend Jackie Weaver, and has even performed for the Queen. 

She is passionate about storytelling and believes that Australian talent can be found anywhere, not just in the big cities.

Host: Issy Symes Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Karen Crone : Season 3, Episode 6

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUni Education students and siblings Bronte and Elliot Wills.

The fun-loving sister and brother duo talk about their different experiences leaving western Queensland to study in Rockhampton and the reasons behind both deciding to become teachers, despite their father's best efforts to make at least one of them an engineer. Sorry Dad! 

While their sibling rivalry is truly evident, they also share with us how they've been supportive of each other through their studies and how they overcame their homesickness in those early days. 

We also learn about their plans to be inspirational teachers and hear them debate about who's the better cook. Above all else, we learn that life in the Wills household is never dull!

Bronte and Elliot Wills : Season 3, Episode 7

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUniversity's Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations Francois Gallais. 

His first ambition was to be a professional soccer player, but once he discovered his skill set didn't match his passion, a young Francois quickly turned his attention to another love ... cheese. In this week's podcast, we hear how Francois' early years growing up in France involved a robust school life with a mix of soccer and tennis, which eventually led him to business school and later a Masters in Marketing at a university in the UK, followed by his first job selling cheese – very French! We hear about his roles in fundraising and how being 'too comfortable in France' led to his family moving to Central Queensland where he landed a role at CQUni. We learn about CQUni's diverse alumni and Francois' role to provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to engage with and support CQUni's endeavours. Finally, we learn that life is pretty busy for this father of three, who spends his spare time sailing and being a taxi for his teenage children.

Host: Peter Lawrence Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Francois Gallais : Season 3, Episode 9

This week on The Greatvine we hear from CQUni's Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement and BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement, Professor Adrian Miller. A proud North Queenslander and even more proud of his Indigenous heritage and culture, we hear how Adrian has a real passion for education and its transformative effect.  We learn that Adrian, like everyone, sometimes needs a little distraction from the day-to-day world and his way to take his mind off it is to hit the road on a Harley and we also find out about Adrian’s upbringing in Innisfail and discover how he got to where he is today professionally. And we learn about Adrian’s first love – archaeology – and find out whether it’s something he may turn to later in life. 
Adrian wishes he’d understood the significance of mentorship earlier in his life and provides advice to future leaders on the importance of having a mentor.

CQUniversity's Greatvine Series 4

Adrian Miller : Season 4, Episode 2

This week we chat with CQUni's Publications and New Media Officer, and Be mag editor, Priscilla Crighton.

With preparation underway for the 30th edition of Be Magazine, we hear from the lady behind the publication about its creation and some of the most memorable front cover stories. We learn that Priscilla’s love of writing started in high school, where she dabbled in poetry and public speaking, and has since led her to work at CQUni, where she has spent the last 17 years of her career. Priscilla shares how her family encouraged her passion, and how her study journey has influenced her sons. We hear stories about how changes to the digital world has had an impact on her career.

Host: Jessica Cullen Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Priscilla Crighton : Season 4, Episode 3

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUni's Senior Lecturer and Head of Course for Environmental Science Dr Nathan English. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Nathan now lives and works in Townsville, North Queensland. We learn that Nathan grew up in a very ‘non-traditional family’ and delve deep into his passion for the environment, in particular, the natural sciences. We also discover that Nathan loves geology and we learn about the buzz he gets from discovering new things – especially if it means collecting on ‘beer bets’!

Nathan – a dad of two boys – hopes to ensure the preservation of the environment and its natural beauty not just for his children and his children’s children but for every generation to come and we hear how he’s doing just that through his teaching. We also hear Nathan’s thoughts on Climate Change and we find out all about what’s inside Nathan’s CQUni Townsville campus office – bird skeletons and all!

Nathan English : Season 4, Episode 4

Growing up in Bargara, regional Queensland, Associate Professor Celeste Lawson lived a carefree childhood, where she did what she loved and what she found interesting. In this podcast, we learn she unconsciously followed in her father’s journalistic footsteps, but soon realised that it wasn’t for her. She shares that her desire to help people led her to become a Rockhampton-based police officer and then an employee of the Corruption and Crime Commission in Western Australia, before her career logically progressed and came full circle back to Rockhampton. We also learn that although Celeste may be studying her seventh qualification, there is no stopping her – study is her hobby and she has already got the next two courses picked out! Celeste shares with us the reason behind her bold hair and that pink isn’t actually her favourite colour. Can anyone guess what it is?

Host: Jessic Cullen Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Celeste Lawson : Season 4, Episode 6

Science isn’t just a profession, but even more so a passion for CQUniversity Adjunct Professor Simon Robson. And as the country celebrates National Science Week, we chat with the CQUni scientist that made huge news earlier in the year when he, along with a research team, rediscovered the world’s largest bee! 
We hear about why the news was so big and if the rediscovery continues to generate media buzz.
We also delve into Prof Robson’s love for biology and learn about how ants are contributing to science robotics. Prof Robson also fills us in on his upbringing and where his fascination for animals came from and we even get an insight into what his favourite animal might be – you might be surprised!

Simon Robson : Season 4, Episode 5

This week on the Greatvine we chat with CQUni’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Governance Joanne Perry.

Joanne shares the many changes she’s been a part of at CQUni over the years and tells us there are some things that haven't changed – the Uni’s commitment to students and communities.

Growing up in Mackay, just down the road from where the Ooralea campus stands today, Joanne talks about a carefree childhood, later studying hospitality at TAFE after completing high school. A move to Rockhampton in her early 20s, saw a change in career paths to learn new skills in administration, which eventually lead to a position at CQUni in the Finance department. Fast-forward 23 years, Joanne now heads up the Division of Student Experience and Governance as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She says the role is as diverse as it is rewarding.

As we approach R U OK Day this Thursday 12 September, Joanne discusses the importance of supporting colleagues and students who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs. She also talks about the CQUniCares Appeal which kicked off for 2019 on Monday and encourages people to support this great cause.

Joanne Perry : Season 4, Episode 9

This week on the Greatvine we chat with Bachelor of Digital Media student Beau Moloney. 
Beau shares about how a horrific car crash changed his life forever, forcing him to reevaluate his career ambitions and eventually leading him to his love of the arts, videography and animation. He talks about how he overcame many hurdles to study at CQUni and about the support he received from the University and a CQUniCares scholarship. Looking to the future, Beau discusses his future job prospects and how a recent internship at Channel 9 News has led to a casual camera operator and editor position, and he’s loving it!

Beau Moloney : Season 4, Episode 10

From sacked sandwich maker to VET education innovator, Peter Heilbuth shares some of his early vocational fails and how an opportunity to teach at TAFE led to a rewarding career in the vocational education sector. Today, Peter is CQUniversity's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for VET Operations and Growth heading up the VET operations of Queensland's first fully comprehensive university. He reflects on some of his more interesting occupations - Sydney Opera House usher and magazine journalist - and provides advice to Australia's young job hunters: "Get a job that makes a difference in people's lives" and "use education as leverage".

CQUniversity's Greatvine Series 5

One-stop-shop for jobs: Peter Heilbuth, S5E1

With more than a decade of research experience, Nancy Greer has faced crocs at Rockhampton’s reptile farm (for an award-winning study about how excitement impacts gaming habits), tackled gambling studies in Bundaberg, moved to Brisbane and then into the heart of Melbourne to understand the huge and heartbreaking issues around homelessness.

Now, her PhD subject has put her in the middle of the high-voltage world of esports, betting and skin gambling – where online gamers bet with money or video game items on professionals playing video games competitively. Nancy shares how she’s breaking new ground with the research, and what parents can do to protect young gamers.

Host: Mary Bolling Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Gambling, crocodiles and homelessness: Nancy Greer, S5E2

Chris Veraa once worked as a barista at McCafe, before he ever drank a coffee, and later became a rural reporter, despite having little farming experience, and now is CQUni’s Director of Student Experience – and in case you’re wondering, yes, this time he’s got loads of experience. As a high school student who excelled at English, Chris decided to study journalism and marketing at university before embarking on a career as a journalist. Later, a working holiday in the UK allowed him to try the art of closed caption writing where he says his touch-typing course in school ‘saved his bacon’. Back in Australia, roles in media relations eventually paved a way to CQUni where he initially became the Director of Corporate Communications and then moved into Student Experience. He shares that his role now is less about being a practitioner and more about leading teams that focus on students’ uni experiences and support. He shares how scholarships and emergency grants can change a student’s life and how donors’ philanthropy help build the pipeline of talent.

High stakes in education: Chris Veraa, S5E3

Rhianna Wood is a dedicated nursing student with a heart for making a difference in the lives of others. As a child, she never dreamed that she would grow up to be a nurse, but always had a passion to help those around her. This passion led her to The Philippines on a mission and she has continued to help others in her community and afar. As well as being a second-year undergraduate student, the 19-years-old juggles a list of other roles at CQUni with her studies, including chair of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and a member of the Townsville Campus Life Committee. In this podcast, Rhianna shares about her desire to leave uni with more than a piece of paper that says Bachelor of Nursing, and provide tips on how students from any discipline can be more engaged in university life while building their resume for graduation.

Host: Tiahna Fiddling Show: CQUniversity's Greatvine

Making the most of student life: Rhianna Wood, S5E4

She received a surprise round of tea-room cheers on her first day on campus, was suddenly in bagpipe-induced tears at her first graduation – and for Associate Vice-Chancellor (Victoria) Lara Carton, leading CQUniversity Melbourne has remained a rollercoaster. Lara shares the logistical nightmares of moving a whole campus, how the student cohort has quadrupled in Melbourne, and why you can always expect incredible catering on her campus. A busy mum to twins and a passionate home cook, Lara explains how weekend routines help maintain calm amidst the chaos of life and work. And as Director of Social Innovation, Lara also reflects on some of the highlights of CQUni’s five-year journey driving creative social change – and how it’s already transformed lives for so many students, staff and community changemakers.

Driving creative social change: Lara Carton, S5E5

She says her whole life has been about science education, in one way or another, and now CQUni’s Dr Linda Pfeiffer’s legacy in developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in regional Queensland has landed her as a semi-finalist in the Queensland Community Awards. Linda shares about what some see as a ‘glorified classroom’ known as STEM Central (which she helped design and now heads up) has become an amazing state-of-the-art facility in her hometown of Gladstone, thanks to a partnership with ConocoPhillips Australia Pacific LNG. Linda also explores why some kids find science boring and how the chronic teacher shortage is having a devastating impact on STEM education in regional Australia. And while it took her nine years to complete her Doctor of Science, Linda says it's one of her biggest achievements to date. Finally, Linda shares some helpful advice for up-and-coming STEM teachers.

Science education matters: Linda Pfeiffer, S5E6

CQUniversity has launched its latest podcast series CQUniversity Commentary. This podcast series brings you CQUni experts in research, work and study, dissecting the issues and current affairs that affect you, your family and your community. 

CQUniversity has dedicated the first season of CQUniversity Commentary to focus on conversations about the emerging issues from COVID-19.

To listen to this podcast series head to Podbean https://cquniversitycommentary.podbean.com/, or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube. 

Wholesome by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5050-wholesome
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

CQUniversity Commentary

CQUniversity Commentary - Trailer

If you’ve ever wondered what makes people tick, what inspires them, and how they’ve become the people they are today, then you’re going to love the Greatvine. CQUniversity’s Greatvine is a podcast series that chats with some of the University’s interesting characters: from professors and lecturers, to support staff and students. 

We dig and get the dirt on why people do what they do; what events changed their lives; how their work is making a difference; what inspires them; and what quirky hobbies or habits they might not want the world to know about. And you’ll hear it all, right here on the Greatvine. 

CQUniversity is Australia’s largest regional university with campuses and study centres across the country. It prides itself on being one of the most engaged universities in Australia, while its research agenda is centred around providing real impact to our global communities.

CQUniversity Greatvine

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